KITESTOCK is a great effort by WAKSA, you have to hand it to them, they do a good job every time, wind or no wind.
But its time for some thing new, most people have been at least once and the stoke in the early days was great with about 350 atending, it was being hyped for weeks ahead by guys going up to KITESTOCK on SEABREEZE
Change the venue, keep it simple and affordable, not a demo fest, but to get together a do some comps, meet up with some long lost kiter folk etc
And to see Wave slave in a body draging race Id be willing to pay for that
I was initially not going to respond to this thread, but as someone who's had an intimate knowledge of organising Kitestock previously, I thought a couple of comments might clarify some of the misconceptions & misunderstandings that have emerged on this thread about KS. These comments are based on my personal understanding & experiences only, and do not represent any official or unofficial response by this year's organisers.
1) Cost: to the best of my knowledge, Kitestock has never been a profitable exercise and has always been run to break even at best, (and in some instances, run at a loss). Since WAKSA became involved with Kitestock in 2007, it was always about putting on an affordable event for the members. KS has remained a fairly constant $150 for the 3 day event over the past several years (it went up to $180 when it was run over the 4 day, Aus Day holiday weekend a few yrs ago), but back to $150 subsequently when it returned to a three day event. Bearing in mind what that gets you, I don?t know how much less it might be costed at.
2) Location: KS has always been about more than just kiting, it is also a social event, and there was (historically at least) something about "the journey" to KS, it was about going away somewhere that involved a road trip. Relocating it (away from Dongara) was actually something that was given some considerable thought a few yrs back, but in order to try and keep everyone happy, Dongara/Port Denison won out - for example; Cervantes - no waves & not enough infrastructure to support several hundred crew. Back then, Geraldton was considered "too big" a location to have the event.
Lancelin has previously been given a lot of consideration, but given that crew could (if they wanted to) drive up & back each day, it's close proximity to Perth kind of diminishes the "road trip", the journey aspect of KS.
3) Timing ? end of season v beginning of season. KS was (at least in its' first few years), more about "the getaway" to kite & hang out with fellow kiters. As the event grew in numbers and success, brands and retailers were invited to support and attend KS. Moving KS to the beginning of the season has the potential to make the event more focussed for brands and retailers which might dilute "the getaway" vibe of the event. The support from brands, schools, retailers, and all the other sponsors and supporters should never be unrecognised - there have been many many retailers and brands who have generously backed the event over time, and hopefully, will continue to do so.
Someone posted something about "too far to go if the wind's no good". An interesting comment in my opinion given without wind we're all kinda fkd for this sport. Some crew book for KS regardless of the wind, because it then becomes a much more social event. Who would have thought that two years in a row, KS was going to be screwed by the wind? 2011, there was simply no wind. 2012, bushfires & offshore wind meant it became SUP-stock. Despite the lack of wind, 2012 became a very social event (despite my elevated personal mental anguish).
I defer to Cauncy's exceptional local knowledge about wind @ Dongara/Port Denison. Short of KS 2011 & 2012, I don't know of a time when it isn?t windy up there during Dec/Jan/Feb?.
4) Member event only or not? At the time I was involved in organising the event, the public liability insurance didn't allow for a weekend or event specific membership arrangement. Perhaps that could change in the future, but that's for further consideration.
5) From an organisational perspective, each year, KS is run by a core group of about 3 or 4 people. For an event of its size, it needs a much larger number to be "the core" and it?s easy being an armchair critic of the event. If you want a real buzz, get involved with the organisation and after a day or two at KS, sit back & ponder the your individual contribution to making KS actually happen. That buzz is even better over a beer @ the Priory....
6) Fundamentally, KS is about bringing likeminded kiters together to meet, kite, eat, drink, and have as good a time as is possible. Each year, we get to bump into crew who, in many circumstances, haven't seen since KS the year before - and that is always a good vibe.
Given the wide disparity of opinions, demands, expectations, kiting styles and personalities our sport brings together, KS is never going to provide flat enough water for those that like flat; it won't provide big enough waves for the surf kiters amongst us. On occasion, it doesn't even provide enough wind. 
But Kitestock brings kiters together, in one place, for a few days to hopefully kite (and have fun) and in my book, that's a win no matter what.
'Nuff said, flame suit on...
All very fare and valid points Juddy.
From 350 kiters down to 150. Sentimental value of what was will only last so long in bringing people back, and doesn't do much to attract new kiters.
Look at the number of new kiter's being trained up across WA each day.
Nothing new and exciting is bringing these people to kitestock.Why is that?
As stated by some posts, unless you have been before, there isn't much info/media on whats entailed and what you get.
Attracting new kiters by doing something new; What worked yesterday might not work tomorrow:
As an example, WAKSA/Kitestock where looking at putting up racing to spice things up a bit, possibly even TT racing as is being done by their counterparts in other states; being open to everybody and easy to run, and good fun, something different. Help was offered to support Kitestock/Waksa put on TT racing which could have been done very easily.
Why was it not?
Double standards:
A published 32km remote downwider event was run with just 1 support boat. Try calling up waksa to say you planning on running an event with just one support boat as see how supportive they are of your risk management. Try take the risk management plan for the events being run at kitestock, and see if you can get a non WAKSA projects be held to the same standard. The reason more events aren't run locally, double standards!
Andy,
absolutely agree re my own sentimental view of the event, and that previous success doesn't guarantee future success.
Course racing was held this yr, and TT racing was offered, but not taken up by those attending KS 2014 from what I was told.
FYI, there were two rescue boats for the Epic DW this year; as you know I'm not involved with the committee anymore, so can't comment on your final para.
New people, new ideas, new contributions always a good thing....
Select to expand quoteAndyHansen said..
looking at putting up racing to spice things up a bit.
I don't really think that's the avenue WASKA want/should head down, that's if they intend on beefing up the numbers.
Apart from the select crew who enjoy racing, this isn't in no way a true representative of the spot.
Would no less than 1% of kiters learn the sport to participate in racing?
It's very much a select niche who seem to have organised themselves very well as far as racing is concerned on the river. (And good on them)
TT slalolm racing with a big can you have to jump over before the finish line would probably be more interesting for the masses . I know i would love to do it .
Select to expand quoteUnderoath said..AndyHansen said..
looking at putting up racing to spice things up a bit.
I don't really think that's the avenue WASKA want/should head down, that's if they intend on beefing up the numbers.
Apart from the select crew who enjoy racing, this isn't in no way a true representative of the spot.
Would no less than 1% of kiters learn the sport to participate in racing?
It's very much a select niche who seem to have organised themselves very well as far as racing is concerned on the river. (And good on them)
whats your suggestion then?
As long as its over an whale, and the can is a massive EMU EXPORT. Where so i sign up?
In all seriousness.
My suggestion
Well, pushing kite racing isn't going to draw a crowd, or extra numbers for starters, sorry Andy, I know how much you love racing, don't take it personally.
Hold the event on Australia Day weekend. 26 January! No better time. After all, the event needs to be on a long weekend closer to Christmas. People are less rushed and more relaxed and amped for a long weekend kiting!
No need to have a WAKSA membership (pro rata a membership for the weekend)
Needs to be held in a new location, Lanno/Wedge/Gero can all work. Most kiters are into waves and down winders, these locations are perfect. Same location over and over is only going to dwindle numbers as it becomes "same ol same ol". Dongara had a great run, its time to move on.
Have the WAKSA state titles for waves or freestyle held the same weekend, one event or both (Sorry Andy, no time for racing, hehe)
I think WAKSA need to market the event to reach the masses.
All of this sounds great, and yes if these were implemented, yes numbers would be back close to 300 by next year!
HOWEVER! Can 4 people from WAKSA do this? No,
Nor should we expect them too. I nominate you Andy to join WAKSA and make it happen.
To me the social, Economic and environmental stars could be much better aligned by having it on earlier in the year. Retailers and distributors can show their wares at a time when there is a greater potential for wind and greater likelihood of crew looking at quivers for the season to come. the promotion may then come from various sources and have far more power to reach a wider audience. Hey more crew bigger parties more social. This might attract more sponsors, greater potential for some comps even some kite relays .... Just come up with that that would be a hoot. Hey I'm just shooting the sh1t here....
but it sounds as though those that attended had a ball and that's what counts. So I reckon from what I've heard it was an awesome event that as always and like eveybting can be improved.
I feel some crew are giving some great ideas here and yet some are just as always being antagonistic.
And some who went are being defensive.
Idea generation that's what this his about. Then again the posts title kind of set it all up.
Select to expand quoteeppo said..
but it sounds as though those that attended had a ball and that's what counts.
Again, as per the initial post all credit due to those few that make KS possible. A multiday event with 100+ people to take care of doesnt just happen!
The question was what could be done as so that their efforts are appreciated by more (larger numbers in attendance).
What type of event included, when & where would draw more support for an event such as KS.
This is not just relating to KS, there are people all over looking to put on events, to bring the kiting community together, the events being for the kiting community so would it not be best to know what they would like/enjoy.
Select to expand quoteAndyHansen said..eppo said..
but it sounds as though those that attended had a ball and that's what counts.
Again, as per the initial post all credit due to those few that make KS possible. A multiday event with 100+ people to take care of doesnt just happen!
The question was what could be done as so that their efforts are appreciated by more (larger numbers in attendance).
What type of event included, when & where would draw more support for an event such as KS.
This is not just relating to KS, there are people all over looking to put on events, to bring the kiting community together, the events being for the kiting community so would it not be best to know what they would like/enjoy.
Great questions....
Probably stating what others have already said, but I think a big contributing factor in the absence of people is in order; Time of year, Location, Entry fee.
I know lots of people that didn't go for one of these reasons including myself. Hold it earlier in the year when more people have free time, make it in a location closer to perth and transport and make the entry fee (if possible) a lower price and I have no doubt the numbers would double.
I personally think Lancelin would make a perfect venue for kitestock, the 1st weekend of december. I love kitestock but havent been there for a while now as kids are a factor.
Here's my opinion of why. I think it would get more kiters to sign up for WAKSA. Its at the start of the season and people would sign up to go knowing they also have insurance for the whole season. Not many people sign up just to go to Kitestock when its that late in the year.
Lancelin would attract more people as many who live South of the river dont want to drive 6 hours, you can get to bali for the same price (food, petrol, etc)and in shorter time. Those of us wth kids know that living hell is defined as spending that long in your car with bored rugrats. As far as safety goes, Lancelin has a medical clinic and Joondalup hospital would take just as long as Dongara to Geraldton Hospital.
Freestyle nationals were held there and the flat water is amazing. Amateur wave comps can be held at backbeach, More serious wavecomps can be held at the reefs with the support boat having judges. Hiring a crayboat for a 500m trip could make a great judging platform and I doubt wouldnt break the coffers.
First week of December. New Gear time. I think it would be a lot more attractive to kiteshops and related sponsors. I dont know any kiteshop that goes there, pays for staff, accomodation, gear to be lugged up and has come close to breaking even on gear demoed then sold. Most new gear has been bought already. Im always looking for a new christmas pressy, yet Im also pretty cashed out right now.....
It is goodwill and the fact the WAKSA may not be perfect but it's all we've got and kiteshops support the passionate "Volunteers" that get an organisation keeping going year after year. Yes guys like Juddy in the Past.
Lancelin would significantly drop sponsorship costs including weekend trade, as they would be able to support the event for 1 day to demo at least..
If the Wind doesnt come in so what.....
SO how would you sell tickets? It used to be so popular that the early bird catches the worm principle.
1 Saturday day pass to demo, comps. Sat night party included, WITHOUT food......, ($50)??????
1 Saturday day pass........with food. Cut off date 1 week before kitestock so catering can be arranged. ($75)?
1 day pass to demo on saturday, participate in comps etc, no party ($30)?
1 day pass to demo on sunday, participate in comps etc, no party.......
prices rise by 10% 4 weeks away, prices rise by another 20-30% when we get an accurate forecast.
. Wrist-bands on the door, rock up and pay more? I'd love to pay early, get a cheap ticket, and giving WAKSA a deposit to organize what they have to do.
Lancelin for me is a fantastic opportunity for WAKSA to make kitestock amazing. The cons... The Gingin council has not been an easy council to deal with in the past. Windsurfer issues.
Use the tourism opportunity, media thing to get a permit. Overstate and under-deliver.
Might even see Waveslave up there in his kitemobile?,
What would you pay per session, 2 days if signed up early...?
Select to expand quoteUnderoath said..
Too many South African..
yeah cause we taking ova the world ....
Select to expand quoteGarryA said..Underoath said..
Too many South African..
yeah cause we taking ova the world ....
<<<<<< Me 100% Mocambicano
Select to expand quoteGarryA said..Underoath said..
Too many South African..
yeah cause we taking ova the world ....
still play **** rugby bro
Agreed with Dave, Lancelin and the timing. Can satisfy all requirements plus the infrastructure to deal with a population influx.
Just a few thoughts from someone who has never been but would love to go if it was a bit more accessable and appealing :-
+1 Lancelin ..
Big air comp with one of those altihieght meters?
day passes but make it cheaper if u commit to the whole event...
Australia day weekend would prob be pretty hectic already ( with dirt bike bogans like me)... Maybe better to be on a normal weekend?
I reckon if it's closer to metro maybe it doesn't need to be 3 days.. Fri night ( at Lano pub) Sat and Sun event ?
how about entering in teams,
Gero, Dongara, Metro, Margies, Intenational, SA, QLD etc
go Gero!
Select to expand quoteUnderoath said..
Imagine 300 kiters completing a lanno to wedge down winder- flip. 
or ledge point to lancelin...... Not a new idea.
Ooh big air comp at Eddie Island on a large swell...boooooooosttttt. Bit far out might need mag glasses, but hey they come in handy for other reasons as well.
You could have a combined event, find out the real all rounders. Gotta do a flicky flicky trick at the point, then crank out to Eddie for a massive boost.
Hey what about a lame ass kite relay...but you gotta have a racer, a wakestyler, and a freerider booster in the team...and of course a chick rider...or if unable to find a bloke in a bikini...
Out and back to Eddie Island....oh the carnage, now that would be something to watch...
What about a walk style comp that gives points awarded to the best costume as well...just a bit of fun like.
Most of these ideas are crap I know...sorry
Hey Eppo, great idea on that mixed comp thing, called a couple of mates and we've already got a team together, just missing the chick factor.
What are your sizes (top and bottom) and would you prefer standard bikini style or possibly the Gstring gig ?. ( waist harness only of course)
Hey, don't stress too much about it, we've already got the colour picked out for ya.
Hey Dude how goes it man, as long as they match my lippy...mate I look scarily okay in a bikini...so they tell me....lol.
As I said just shooting the sh1t, most if not all those ideas are crap...but hey improbable possibles...someone more sensible might actually create something useful out of them.
Hey Ep, don't worry, the bois and I always carry our own lippy lubricant. Msure we could find something that suits.
GETTING SCARED YET?
Excited maybe...not scared. Maybe that's the same thing. Truth is, we all are all farqed in the end....
Whoops, pooh pooh, my bad!. Hey Eppo we've boogied a bit off topic here, butt if you wish to continue chatting, I'll see you in the windsurfing section :)
